Why Study English?

Studying English is its own reward, in which you can engage with literature and engage with the world as well as with yourself. A degree in English prepares you with a variety of skills: critical reading and thinking, analysis, research, and both written and verbal communication. All that and you get to read cool stuff. What more could you want?

You might be thinking, “Sure, I love reading and writing. I even love grammar. But what do I tell my parents and friends when they ask me: What Can You Do with an English Major or Minor?”

The easy answer, of course, is anything and everything. A lot of people assume that a degree in English means you’re going to be a teacher, and while teaching is a fine and noble profession, it’s certainly not the only option available to you.

A list of possibilities follows, but you should also check out what our English department alumni have gone on to do as well as contact PC’s Career Services Office for additional information.

A SMALL LIST OF CAREER OPTIONS FOR AN ENGLISH MAJOR

GRADUATE SCHOOLS

English or Education
Master of Arts or Fine Arts
Doctorate of Philosophy

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Professional schools will require some appropriate preparation, but they love English majors: